Founder Journal

by Winston Ash on Founder Journal

Quote of the Day

By W. H. Murray from “Do the Work” by Steven Pressfield

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.

Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one too.

A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.

I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: [clickToTweet tweet=”Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” quote=”Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” theme=”style3″]

 
by Winston Ash on Founder Journal

Weekly Review

The weekend grind is real. Put in work. I study most of my time. Learning new frameworks and getting better at what I do. Freelance website development. I’m studying React currently; working on projects to get better. And watching every tutorial I can on YouTube.
 
My learning method is simple. Read books, watch YouTube videos, and make flashcards. By putting all three together it decreases my learning curve. Instead of learning at a snail’s pace, I 4X my learning. The key for me is to learn something new every day. And, repetition.
 

Upcoming Projects:

  1. Create a portfolio site with React.
  2. Take the Advanced Beginner’s Challenge.
  3. Create a simple single page application in React.

Currently Reading:

Currently Watching:

  • Catching up on Game of Thrones; on Season 6 now then on to Season 7

Running Schedule:

It’s official. I have not missed any planned runs for a month now. Wow. This week I have a Tempo, Easy, and Interval run scheduled. In the General phase to build up to my 10K in October. Feeling great and happy with my progress. Slowing down on my run and focusing on form has done wonders for my body.
 
by Winston Ash on Founder Journal

Compounding Progress

Learning new things always excites me. Getting better at what I’ve been trying to learn gives me the same feeling. While reading through tutorials today I found out something interesting.
 
Reading, thinking, planning, then doing is the best way forward. This allows me to plot a steady course and have linear progression. What got me excited though was that my progression compounds. Which means as I get better step by step I’m also integrating the new knowledge with old. Growing on many levels at the same time.
 

Business:

Ash Media Empire

Current clients are all happy and the workflow is steady. No issues. I’m going to streamline and document the client on-boarding process better. New leads have shown interest. Next week’s focus is adding another client to my roster.
 
Got an ad approved today by Facebook that I liked. That will help me bring more eyeballs to my feed which should help raise brand awareness. Putting out more video content on my Facebook account. The plan is to grow into producing mini tutorials.
 
Instagram received my attention this past month for good reason – I’m a visual person. I create visual content fast and with minimal effort. Once i’ve seen it in my head, the creating process is quick. My go to app is Canva.
 

Fitness:

Running

Today I spent over an hour on the treadmill. The running felt good. No issue completing the mileage at this current pace. Looking forward to going longer distances at a faster pace. Step by step my body adjusted well to this new program. Using the Gipis app for the plan and staying loyal to Runkeeper for logging my runs. The running schedule picks up next week with 2 medium distance runs and an interval run.
 

Nutrition

Eating well has turned into the most important aspect of the health triangle – running, eating, and sleeping. This is also the hardest part. I don’t food prep and rely on my wife for that part. As well I am horrible at portion control. This is still a work in progress. My thoughts are to use measurement to force myself into line. We’ll see if it works.
 
by Winston Ash on Founder Journal

Gut Checked

I can see the moves, the players, and the right strategy. I know what can be done. But does it violate my code? Is this the game I want to be playing? 

My initial reaction is stone cold. I learned it from poker. When dealt a shit hand the best response is no response. Stop. Gather your wits and make a plan. It doesn’t have to take long. You don’t let your initial shock give away your strategy. 

I felt similar emotions wash over me as I listened to these people. And my calm exterior made me hard to read. Or so I thought. Inside though, a raging sea of emotion. Hulk smash. 

Yet I see the moves for what they are – power plays. I have no time for this. 

 
by Winston Ash on Founder Journal

Better Questions

The thought struck me hard. Like a lightning bolt.
 
Maybe I don’t need the answers. Maybe I need better questions.
 
The pursuit of knowledge. Of truth. The way forward.
 
Will I ever know all? No. But, I will know more.
 
And my quest began. My mind ached for knowledge. More and more.
 
No time to relax.
 
I poured over books. Took classes I thought I didn’t like. Read everything, always. And I didn’t form opinions.
 
I analyzed. Looked for patterns. And searched.
 
That consumed my days. Bit by bit. Each story, article, and headline. Consumed, analyzed, and categorized.
 
Will I ever find answers?
 
. . . . .
 
by Winston Ash on Founder Journal

Slow Down to Speed Up

David Allen, founder of GTD, wrote about this recently. I took this advice to heart. My actions were creating more chaos than good. Not focusing enough on getting the right things done; focused too much on completing any task.
 
So I took a break. A step back. And from this higher perspective, I am able to see what is important. By refocusing I am able to re-prioritize the entire inventory of outstanding actions. I see the world with a new filter; makes me think I’ve reached a new level. Instead of being on the rubber meets the road level; i’m at the take-off level and the results prove it.
 

Week in Review: 6/26/2017 – 7/2/2017

 

3 Major Goals Done This Week

  • Updated my tracker and created my July Habit Tracker;
  • Reorganized all outstanding commitments and took the time to rank them; and,
  • Enjoyed my personal time without thinking about work or business

What Went Right This Week?

  • Created a Daily Log that allows me to see what’s done or needs doing;
  • Started a learning path for Computer Science, Business, & Entreprenuership that levels me up; and,
  • Spent quality time focused on my home life.

What Went Wrong This Week?

  • Had hard conversations with co-workers;
  • Allowed outside influence to dictate my emotions for two days; and.
  • Fell off the wagon in regards to my fitness.

3 Goals for the Upcoming Week